A man attacked by a shark in Australia was wading in knee deep waters when bitten.
Alan Saunders, a fisherman by trade, was bitten on both legs as he attempted to release another shark from a net in shallow waters. The attack took place at a beach near New South Wales in Australia, a region that sees its fair share of shark attacks.
Mr. Saunders’ attacker is thought to have been a Grey Nurse shark. The species can grow up to 2.2 meters in length and is known to eat larger prey including other sharks, dolphins, and swordfish.
The 51-year-old fisherman has reportedly not suffered life-threatening injuries, but has been left with deep puncture wounds in each leg.
Ray Saunders says his brother was bitten while he tried to help a shark which had become entangled in netting:
“Alan was involved in removing one of the sharks out of the wings of the net. He released that shark but another shark came in and bit him on both legs.”
The injured man is currently recovering in the John Hunter infirmary in the city of Newcastle, Australia. A rescue helicopter transported him from the beach after he had received attention at the scene.
In December 2012, a man attacked by a shark in Australia lost two fingers . That attack forced several beaches in the New South Wales region to close down as a precuation .